Syllabus: GS1/ History
In News
- PM pays tribute to Bhagwan Birsa Munda on the occasion of his Martyr’s Day.
About Bhagwan Birsa Munda
- Early Life:
- Born on 15th November 1875 in Ulihatu of the erstwhile Bengal Presidency.
- An Indian freedom fighter, religious leader and folk hero from the Munda Tribe.
- Learned teachings from a Vaishnav monk.
- Founder of New Religion “Birsait”:
- He believed in One God.
- Munda and Oraon community people joined the sect & challenged British conversion activities of tribals.
- He preached strong Anti-British sentiment through religion.
- Also, referred to as ‘Dharti Abba or Father of Earth’ by his followers.
- Outcomes of the Munda Rebellion:
- In 1895, Birsa Munda was arrested for rioting and imprisoned for 2 years.
- In 1900, Birsa Munda was arrested again and died of cholera in captivity, at the age of just 25.
Munda Rebellion
- A tribal movement led by Munda against the British Raj.
- Also referred to as ‘Ulgulan’ or the ‘Great Tumult,’ to establish Munda raj.
- The rebellion aimed at challenging the colonial land revenue system, Zamindari system, and forced labor imposed on the tribals.
- The movement’s primary grievances were the introduction of the Zamindari system, which displaced tribals from their land, and the exploitation by outsiders or Dikus who took control of tribal lands and resources.
- Birsa Munda and his followers used guerrilla warfare tactics to target symbols of British power, such as police stations, government buildings, and landlords’ establishments.
- Outcomes of the Rebellion:
- The British government introduced the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act in 1908, to prohibit the transfer of tribal land to non-tribals (Dikus).
- Lenient attitude of Britishers towards tribals & maintaining their faith & beliefs.
| Key Initiatives For Tribals – Janjatiya Gaurav Divas: Celebrated on 15th November on the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Birsa Munda. This day serves to recognize and honor the contributions of tribal communities in India, particularly their role in the country’s freedom struggle. – Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN): This initiative, launched to support Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), aims to provide basic infrastructure in tribal areas, including pucca houses, clean drinking water, and improved roads. |
Conclusion
- Bhagwan Birsa Munda remains a guiding figure for the tribal communities, especially in Jharkhand, and continues to inspire the fight for tribal rights and social justice in India.
Source: PIB
Previous article
News In Short-9-06-2025